The Met Office added: ‘Temperatures on the whole will continue to be on the cold side, but as the more unsettled weather spreads across the north of the country, milder interludes are more likely here at last.’

However, the icy conditions are likely to ease off a bit before Christmas – leaving some chilly frosts and crisp sunshine.

Winter Lane. Population: You (Picture: PA)

The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning because of ‘dense, freezing fog’ in the south west.

‘Freezing fog is likely to be most prevalent along river valleys and over lowland areas, but isolated fog patches are possible elsewhere,’ the chief forecaster said.

‘Visibility will be less than 100 metres in places.’

The meteorological winter began today, and will continue until February 28, 2017.